Stygian : The Silence Of The Whisperers

3. I Meet A Talking Peacock

{Rick's perspective}

Did you see that? These heavy figures trotted on an innocent Rick who had merely spoken in lieu of the other boys who were nothing like 'Courage the Cowardly Dog'. What a bunch of losers unlike the unsung hero here. To stop the seniors from hitting me further, I raised my hands to cover my face. I thought I could just act like I was defeated and then throw the dust from my shoes into their eyes. But that didn't happen. I got an idea. There was a water bottle in my bag. It wouldn't be able to harm them, of course but blind their vision momentarily.

My hands felt sweaty. Too sweaty. It was flowing like a stream. Really?

One more hit and I was already starting to lose my consciousness. I found them leaving. I looked around for a place to lie down. My blurry vision showed me a cabin and a few long seats inside. There were no people around either. Rick crept in. His wounded forehead rested on the seat and he dozed off. A bandit-like status he acquired. Somebody was shaking me in my sleep. C'mon. I don't wanna go to school. "Mom, lemme sleep!" I groaned continuously. Maybe she must have given up 'cause I was left in a swinging cradle suddenly. Martha started rocking the cradle I lay in. It was undoubtedly a daydream. I won't fit in a cradle and my stupid sister won't rock it for me.

There was a mild earthquake inside the cabin, I suppose. I felt it's' tremors and woke up. This took Rick's mind a while before he realized he was in a van and was being kidn*pped. Since his head had been hit, the technical problems inside, increased too.

I attacked the driver trying to hold him down while a pretty crazy conversation was going on. I was pushed back and my head hurt even more. I glared at them. All these people did was bang my head again and I fainted again. What was a kid of my school doing there though...? When I woke up, I saw myself in a huge plain white office room. I was sitting on a swivel chair with a blanket on me. Just then a woman entered, a mask covered her face. A doctor? Or just fashion? She had a long coat on. "Uh excuse me...Where are the sirs, do you know?"

"Oh. Those criminals....Nope, I dunno. Sorry." I replied, trying to look busy staring at the dark computer screen. She looked around then nodded and left. Who was this woman? Seemed official.

I got off the chair and started looking around. The AC was giving me a headache. Other than books in shelves, a few chairs around and a PC; there was nothing interesting around.

Just then ghostly sounds were heard. The source of it was Rick's stomach. Someone inside growled. I looked around for my bag. Ignoring the rumbling of my stomach, I hunted for my precious possession. No way. My I-pad! My dad's gonna s*******r me.

Were they thieves? Ransom money? s*****y? Forced labor? Or worse, child-trafficking, my mind suggested.

"...and kids are very useful in that matter." The criminal mastermind who punched me spoke, entering the office with a shaved potato-Matt.

"The new guy?" The potato asked, approaching me.

"Hey there, kid. I'm Jack Sprout and this is Matt. We didn't kidnap you. You were sleeping in our van and wouldn't wake up even if asked to so we had to drag you here. Don't worry, we're good people." Jack Sparrow said, munching on a potato chip.

"Was you pushing me off and knocking me unconscious also because you guys are good people?" I asked, brushing my hair aside as a grin escaped my mouth.

"Uh, I'm sorry for all that. Especially the part where I had pushed you and about you being struck down...Al too is sorry about that." Jack replied as he shoved a few cluster of potato chips inside his mouth. Hey Ricky...he's trying to be tricky.

"Al? Full name?" I asked, scratching my forehead. My hair were so bothersome.

"Awf...a...Awfwein..." Jack answered, full-mouthed and turned away talking to Matt acting busy. Oh, I see you are scared of me. Ok. So his name is Alison. Or whatever it may be...

"And yeah, there was a woman who was looking for you people. One of your girlfriends, is she?" I said, walking back and forth.

"Oh no. She must be Jane. Well, now she's gone to work."

"Hey, where's my bag?" I asked, approaching the two and Jack choked. Ah, it's fun to tease people who t*****e you.

"Probably being explored. You'll get it back safe and sound." Matt replied, giving me a bag of cereals with a smile. I took it and thanked him while Jack stole a gaze at me smiling stiffly. I stood there for a while cracking lame jokes at which Matt laughed hard and Jack tried to. Yes, it's my kind of 'payback time'.

I sat on the swivel chair, popped a few cereals in my mouth. I innately scratched my forehead and screamed internally. It was so painful... that wound on my head.

Al...entered. Oh, His Majesty descends. The Proudy Peacock. One that talks. That grey-colored jacket he wore, was so dull. As dull as this guy,who seems to be full of himself. The story after this is famous. The choco-cookies were the high-light. Though there were a few stupid questions I had to answer, it was worth it. I even called mom and said I won't be coming home that day etc-etc. It was hard to convince but she agreed.

After that Alfren Asshole left, I got to have a lot of freedom. Jack, being scared of me didn't pay much attention to what I was up to. So I was free to do whatever I wanted. I asked permission from Matt to leave the BPRO building but Jack refused, still backing away from me a little. But Henry, the little bossy kid said I could go if someone escorted me. Jack was ultimately tied to me.

I went to a gaming zone and spent Jack's money on the games. Like a boss, yes. "Well, I had said for you guys to lemme go but you asked me to stay. I didn't have money so you have to give." I confidently said, as I defeated a ghoul on the screen before me and a little tomboy standing next to me, applauded.

"Uh, so do you have any siblings?" Jack asked, trying to send a troop of his army to my side in the military game but couldn't. The girl giggled and as I looked at her, she ran to the shopping section.

Little girlie, sorry to bust your bubble but the cool dude here doesn't like little girls. You are too tiny, child. He likes....almost anyone his age as long as it's a girl. Hey, I'm not a freak.

"Al already asked that. Martha, elder and unkind to me." I replied, getting up from my seat. I felt bored so I walked towards the adult gaming section. Jack hurried behind me whispering I as a kid isn't allowed here and must return to the kids section. I stuck my tongue out at him. This will be fun.

Jack got a call. He talked casually; nodding stirringly like he's figured out how to win a chess game without participating in it. He either must be speaking to his family or from where he comes..., maybe a client. I accidentally dropped 3-4 game consoles and said a sorry. Jack picked them up, sighing. I ran a little ahead and did this about four to five times. Jack lost it. Yes, I was waiting for this moment. He had finished his phone-talk, too. Why not play?

"Catch me if you can! Beh!" I chortled and ran in another wing. Jack charged, scampered behind me at full speed. The little tomboy laughed at us playing tag. I jumped over the mini baskets in the basketball court and over the tennis table but Jack couldn't catch me. I threw at him tiny balls and darts as he drifted past them like a seagull flying. The customers were shouting at us as Jack only beckoned them that he'll stop me. As if he'd be able to. Thing was, he was enjoying too.

At last, we were shooed out by the counter in-charge, insulted too. The little tomboy giggled, holding the hand of her father and saying I made her laugh like a clown in a circus.

Oh wow. I think I'm really up for that role, huh.

As we went back to the BPRO, both of us laughed till our insides hurt. I bid the girl a bye from the window as an old man appeared from behind her and they got busy talking and enjoying. "How long has Matt been working here and you, and Jane, Al...?" I asked, holding onto reality now.

"Uh...Matt....I guess it's been very recent since he joined. About 2-3 years. And me, it's been so long...I think I forgot...but it's above 10 years, I believe. Jane too and Al, Henry are minors but they contribute a lot."

When we returned, I began my protests of wanting to bath, eat and have my clown costume. And, Al...somehow arranged one for me. Jack provided me with a room and asked me to wait for him while he prepares something in the kitchen. I can't believe this. How on earth did a person like Rick end up here?

When I entered the room instead of exploring, I took to practicing. There were more two rooms, I suppose but they had no lights. Must be under repair that's why they'd given me this room. In the next room, I noticed there was an attic ladder leading to the attic, of course. Jack came and gave me a bowl of flour and I stared at him as he went back so I just kept it on the floor. He went and returned with baking soda. Before he could go again, I stopped him and asked him to just bring me something which right now, doesn't need cooking. He nodded and patted me before leaving.

I practiced hard, my blood, sweat, dirt all shed off. My tears were the only ones that didn't take form as of yet. I was wishing the time would slip by and I could watch my favorite night time anime show of fighting and gore. But alas, the destiny hadn't planned this for me. I had a surprise waiting for me.

The outfit was on; practice in session and the lights went out. I thought I would try fixing it, but then the lights of the bathroom were on. Before putting the clown mask back on, to wash my face; I opened the tap of the bathtub but that also started leaking. The shower pipe broke down. Ugh, just got messier. It was so dark; I almost couldn't see where I headed to. I felt for the ladder. Alright. It's there. Now, just wait for Jack.

Some kind of a liquid dropped from the ceiling; few drops fell on my mask and the costume. What else, water leakage to worsen my luck? I hadn't even taken a good look at myself in this costume, damn. I climbed the ladder to wipe the source of this leakage. It took a lot of time but I was engaged. I heard a little noise behind me. Someone rasped. It made my spine freeze. Then I thought it must be the neighbors or Jack coming. But when I turned to look, it was a witch. b****y Mary at that, staring acutely at me. She screamed and it was so scary so I too screamed. There was a mixture of screams. I saw her disappearing from the main door, screaming.

There was a woman passing by my room. Oh, so this is Jane. She refers to Jack and Matt as 'sirs'? But she is senior to Matt in terms of work experience and as for Jack, maybe age matters.

After that I met Jane, complained and all that drama happened. After that another drama took place where I had to be a witness. I demanded a repayment from that Al whom I call an asshole, even though I might be the one; leeching off on other people's money. The case was solved. Al had escaped to the bed. Marigold had a much better look after washing off her face. And there was this Ashley who one day might become my destined pair-

Ok, shut up. I need to rest now, I think. They kept me locked in here for no reason at all. My time wasted but money saved. So, I've no complains. I whined before Jane regarding the messy room I got, simply nodded and on Jack's recommendation; gave me a room-key. "This key is-" she began, but Jack held her hand and said he had something he had to ask her. She looked confused, and then she widened her eyes.

"Where's Henry? Has he completed the assignment? Even if I'm his sister, I won't spare him if he refrains from our departmental duties..." she grumbled, moving away.

I sighed and searched for the room the key was coupled with. The number was written, handily. As I looked at the key's number plate, someone collided with me.

No, this isn't a typical romance cliché. Don't worry; this hero won't ever get a decent girl in his life. He only knows the arts of fooling around and not dying. Not anything useful. Besides, he just wants a pure angel. In a world of devils, he asks for an angel. Pitiable. I know.

"Watch where you going!" I blasted, getting up. His a*s hurts. Probably. Oh shut it.

"Blind, aren't you? I'm so sorry for getting into your way mister. Let me help." A girl with short ash-brown hair snaps at me as a man in the behind hurries to the bathroom. Hurry up dude before you piss your pants.

"Hey you. I did watch where I was going. You mind your step." I argued, more curious about the man trying to hold it all in.. Don't start laughing.

"Sorry, dudey. I don't have time to talk to you. So you can argue with someone." She left, leaving her ID card behind. I'm not gonna return this to you, ash-haired young lady.

I walked on and finally found the door. I unlocked it and went inside. It looked as though someone had broken the lock once before. Oh I don't care. I went to the bathroom, and looked at how I appeared in the costume. Impressive. But hey, this had a lot of fake blood on it. I've to do a normal clown. Where did Al get this anyway...?

You know I am thinking so much that some people will start to doubt if I were a teenage girl. So better just stop and doze off. I sleepily walked over to the bed and slept.

There were no nightmares no disturbances and it was a time of peace. It was a silent warning to the war ahead. I cuddled the cushions, or teddy bear next to me. But it slapped me. There was a fight in my sleep, dunno who won.

Morning crept in. I was kicked out of the bed. I landed on the floor. What the...? Ah, I probably would have to stitch up my broken body if there's any further damage done to it. I got up to kill the attacker. "Who told you could sleep in the same bed as me?" Asshole demanded, holding on a fiddle.

"The hell? Who asked you to come into the same room as me?" I asked, looking desperately around for an object of revenge. The lamp.

"Jane didn't give you the room key?" Al asked as I moved a step towards him with the lamp and he moved back.

"She did. Wait. Why did she give me your room key?"

We both paused. Then without even brushing our teeth or washing our faces, we hurried over to Jane. There was an uproar in the hallway by the time we reached. Other than Marigold, her ash-haired friend[Ashley might be her name], Jane, Jack and Henry there were more people and they were arguing about something. Al and I exchanged glances.

"What's the matter? Who are these people?" Al stipulated, moving over to Jack.

"From the looks of it, one of their family members was going to be our comrade in the BPRO for the post of an attendant. Yeah. But they say she came here a few days ago and now is missing. They are accusing us of her disappearance. So they are our clients." Jack elucidated, wiping a drop of white cream from his hand. Was he eating cake or just painting the walls?

"Hmm. Another missing case. On a Sunday, that too. Ugh." Al said, holding his head. Marigold was lost in thoughts. Jane was deep in judgment. Jack tried to lead the 3 clients to the main office. A man dressed in a grey suit in his mid-forties helped the old man with a cane to walk. A woman with sleek long bob hair with curves at ends and a maxi dress of red color, checked her purse to give her business card to Jack. She looks richer than her husband. Upon close examination, I thought I had seen the old man somewhere before. Where?

"Hey, are we gonna solve this case now or...?" I began, stealing glances at Marigold who still was thinking. Maybe her brain just stopped working. Just like how sometimes virus spoils my motherboard...sometimes.

"Of course now but I have to at least brush my teeth. Jack will handle the three clients." Al replied, as Marigold and ash-haired girl came to us. She sighed when she looked at me. The hell..? I'm the one not interested in seeing you.

"Alvin, what Ashley told me about yesterday's case is ok. But the baby that I saw in the cave had b****y eyes...and the cat I saw wasn't dead. Also, uh...I know you won't believe this but I think there's a ghost in Rick's room." Marigold said, as Ashley held her hand firmly. Getting goosebumps, is she?

"Ghost in my room?! But I slept in Al's room!" I shouted, backing away.

"Firstly, my name isn't Alvin. It's Alfren. Officially it is Alfred. And the baby that you saw in the cave, did she attack you or did that blood you see got on you? Are you sure you saw it..?" Al asked marching over to his room as everyone followed. A dead cat? Jack clapped his forehead. Probably thinking, 'there he goes acting all grown-up, again'.

"I guess...?" Marigold said, looking hesitantly at Al as he glared at her. Ash glared at me. Oh, don't. "Um, maybe it was dark and I was scared so I might have been mistaken. Yes." She clarified, nodding her head. Al nodded as we went to the bathrooms.

We brushed our teeth. There was a new brush so I had used it. Ash and Marigold waited for us in the foyer. What were they talking about? Ugh, I'm curious. I quickly washed my face and while drying my face asked, "I wanted a plain clown costume but you gave me a ghostly one. All the fake blood spoilt it. You've a rotten personality, is that why you gave me? To make a fool of me?"

"Trickster, you already are a fool. I don't know about ghostly but I had asked Jack to give you a plain one. If you spoilt it, I can't help it. And I think our deal of you staying here is over. You can leave anytime you want to." Al said, going behind the curtain to change. Ah, he's touchy. He wore a dark blue T-shirt with sleeves extending until half of the palms. He then put on his black leather gloves. His fashion sense is so gruesome.

"Well, now I'm curious to solve this case and also if there really is a ghost in my messy room, I would love to catch it." I smirked, holding myself tight due to the rapid drop in temperature in the room. "Ugh, it's so cold. Switch off the AC, dude."

"Huh? Oh. Yes." Al said, closing the door of the fridge. Is he paying any attention to what I'm saying or even he is busy thinking like all those so-called detectives?

"The AC, right. It's cold." Al reminded himself.

"Right, but I'm clearly the coolest guy here." I said, brushing my hair with the brush on the table.

"You should probably put on a sweater. Not that you'll ever be as hot as me." Al said, passing me a sweater.

"I won't return this favor." I said, as we walked out. Ain't I stingy? Or just unbothered.

"Don't. It's a spare, meant for refugees." He replied. We strolled over to Marigold .Ash and I exchanged greetings with them as we proceeded to leave for the main office. On the way, I was told that this BPRO is a psychic organization which is camouflaged as a police agency since years. How shady. Definitely spooky. Must be a fake. Even the last case was a normal household affair. Nothing paranormal nor supernatural neither mysterious.

But in this case, the man, woman and the old man; all seemed to leak a trace of suspicious odor. And I had a feeling I had seen the oldie somewhere before. I couldn't remember. This was boring. Phew. If only I get free time and we could go to the gaming zone again to play...

"The gamers zone!" I shouted, recollecting memories. Everyone looked at me. "I saw the old man there. With a little tomboy and a man who she called father."

The three paused in their tracks. Al turned to me and looked at me doubtfully. "I'm not the culprit and I do remember the face clearly." I simplified, looking over into the passage ahead. Was someone there just now? Some resident, I suppose. BPRO was residential to its' clients and employers, I suppose.

"When did you go to the gaming zone?" Al asked, looking at me straight. Marigold fidgeted as Ash sighed for the third time since we met at the room. They certainly knew something and I bet that evil Ash wasn't letting Marigold speak. I'll get to you guys later.

"Uh, yesterday. The time doesn't matter. We're getting late." I said as we went ahead.

"First," Ash stopped Al, "We must see Rick's room. I too saw something there last night when I was looking for Marigold."

"I'll guard the door." She said, tapping on her cell phone, playing games.

"You mean you'll keep a look-out?" I corrected and she carelessly nodded. We walked to my room. It was closed.

What the. I tried to open it but it was locked. C'mon, I was the only one with the key.

"Jane has the spare. She must have locked it. Move back, I'll try opening it." Al said, approaching it like some hero.

"What, you gonna break it? Some hippo you are."Ash ridiculed. Whoa, if there's one thing I agree with her on, it's ridiculing Al. Al gave an uncaring look and pulled the key away from my hand. He turned to face the door and fumbled with the key.

"What, now you are trying to melt the key to the correct shape that would fit in the lock?" I mocked, laughing at my own humor. Marigold kept on cheering Al. Ash looked at Marigold angrily. Does she have some feeling of resentment towards Al or what?

"Yes, I'm." Al said, opening the door. Marigold patted Al. "Ok, the bravest go in first. Rick, please." He requested, dropping a pinch of low-key sadism. ...Don't go in there, you'll find yourself in trouble if you do. You already are a scaredy cat. Nope, I'm not. I thought as I walked in. It was dark, alright. Ash and Al followed.

"Where are the lights?" Ash demanded, bumping into me.

"Hell if I know..." I answered, hurting my head as I run into the ladder. Then something fell from the ceiling. The leakage...not again. The lights came on. Whoa.

Ashley screamed. The leakage from the ceiling wasn't water.

"Red paint?" I asked, feeling it.

"No. Blood." Al said, observing the ceiling. Marigold was nowhere to be seen. Had she escaped? Or had the ghost kidn*pped her?

There was a lot of blood. On the floor, on the carpet and a few drops on the ladder.

"Mommy!!!" Ash squealed, stamping her foot. Al stared up at the attic.

"Ash or Rick, wait here. I'm gonna explore the attic." Al declared, moving to the ladder.

"Then, a-are we gonna wait here a-alone?" I stuttered, holding the ladder. Even though the idea of kids on an adventure sounds cool but right now I need an adult!

"Relax. Don't cry, I'll come down soon." He coaxed, tauntingly. What a show-off. Thinks he's a brave fella just coz he stays here.

"I'm not crying. Just leave."

As he disappeared up there, the lights went out. Ashley-the stranger girl and I screamed and clung to each other. We both waited patiently until Al came out, looking tensed. What did you find?

"It smells up there. I guess there's a..." He began ditheringly and then bending to me, whispered; "...there might be a dead body." ...like telling that to me and not to Ashley might help. And how the hell's he so calm about it?

Ah, he grew up in a mortuary.

I froze. Ash shook me and pestered me to say what Al told but I remained mute not 'cause Al had indirectly told me to but because I was too shocked to respond. And girl, you don't know me. Stop being so gnat-like. Al was studying the ceiling. He wasn't scared. He must be dead too.

Where was Matt? And Marigold... "Al, why don't you call Jack here?" I suggested, getting up.

"It'll arouse suspicion. The clients already doubt us for no reason at all. And they came to us on a purely 'missing case' basis. We mustn't make it seem like a murder mystery or some spiritual activity case." He said, switching the flashlight on from his phone.

But what if the body belonged to the family of the clients...?

"That's what I'm thinking." Al said, flashing the light into the attic. He had just now answered my thoughts, hadn't he? Or were Ash and him conversing...? No. she wouldn't. Then, did he read my mind? What the. Can he?

"Al, did you read my mind just now?" I asked, sounding illogical.

"Huh? Must have. Accidentally." He replied, as we moved out of the room. Accidentally?

We must first ask the clients' info. Probably. Only then we'll be able to separate sense from nonsense. Else we'd just be moving in circles without having any clue.

"Bravo." Al commented, as we walked to the office. I frowned. Again? Ash looked at the two of us but averted her gaze to a dustbin.

Marigold came hopping to us. She breathed and gave Al some files. "Here, I thought you'd need it."

Al looked through it as we crowded in. Ash gave Marigold a hug and I high-fived her. She brought what we just needed. "Where did you get this?" Al asked, looking keenly at Marigold's hands.

"Um, it was...kept inside a bag on the table.

"The color of the bag was...?"

"Uh, teal...maybe."

"And was there anyone around?"

"Uh, no one....I guess."

"Was Matt in the Main office?"

"I dunno."

"All you can say is 'maybe, I guess and I don't know', can't you give a proper answer? An investigation cannot be based purely on speculation. You must be certain." Al scolded her. Is he gone bonkers or what... He was glad when she gave him the info. And now he's angry because she's just unsure? Although I do agree with his words. But she did try.

"Take it or give it back if you have no need of it." Marigold demanded, holding out her hand.

Al sighed and producing a chocolate bar from his pocket, he put it in the palm of her hand. Marigold, at first didn't look satisfied then she slowly made a fist and nodded. Happily she munched on it. As Ash asked if Marigold was feeling fine [why? Was she unwell?] And Marigold gave a thumbs-up; Al and I were looking into the file.

Except for the names and birth details, there didn't seem to be much written. The three were a family, ok and the missing person was called Sylvia. She was a woman in her late 20's. A hard-worker and pursued a career in detective or police agency. The youthful man was called Nicholas Anderson and his wife was Camilla while the old man was the father of the two women. His name was Robert Flaming. From what I estimated, I thought that the old man had a granddaughter about 11 yrs old. If so, who was her father? Sylvia's relationship status said single. Also, the Andersons had no child. If I'm right, then when he met with his granddaughter, was Sylvia around? Damn, why didn't I notice?!

"Only after an interrogation, would we get to know the real thing. So right now, let's just call Matt to search the attic." Al announced, striding toward my room while fondling a strand of his front hair. Ok, I do know the faces of these people now. Their photographs were there. I also know Sylvia. I'm just a bit scared. Please let no one be dead.

Matt came rushing over to us. Al had messaged him to. Wow. I feel confident now that an adult is there. We shone a light up the attic as Matt climbed up. Will he be able to pass through...? After a few minutes, we heard a noise. "Hey Matt, if you found someone....tell us.." Al said aloud. b****y cool. "Uh, I guess...I did find someone." Matt's voice came after a while. He came down and with a body, too.

"Marigold, go to a corner and play games on this. Go." Al shooed her away, giving her his tab. Pretty much his heart. Well, smart gadgets are always close to one's heart...

"No. That was Jack's." Al clarified shooting daggers at me with his eyes as he helped Matt down.

"This too? Damn you, you psychic." I cursed as I bent to observe the body. Lots of blood was there. Ugh, I think I feel sick now.

"Sylvia Flaming!" Ash gasped, holding on my hand. Girl, just 'cause you somehow figured Al is reserved you go after me? I shrugged proudly. Nope, she just hates me. And I think there's a dead body here so why don't you concentrate, o' mind?

"About 1.05 liters of blood lost. She must be alive." Al said, bending to check her pulse. This dude is a frickin' robot. We were disturbed by a noise in the background. I shone the torch around snatching it from Matt. Oh, a cat. That didn't scared me. Wrong, it did scare me. At least, now it did.

"Guys, can you see it?" I asked, clutching Al's hand by mistake.

"Yes, it's a cat. Miss Olivia's cat. What's it doing here?" Ash asked going over to touch it.

"You i***t, its dead!" I screamed as Ash flinched. The cat purred and moved toward us. It was levitating. It came near Sylvia's body then disappeared. The hell-? If it had to vanish, why scare us all?!

"Ok kids, I'll help you carry this body to the forensic lab. Though today is a holiday and there's no doc but...Dr. Brown Flaming is, so he might be able to help. One of you come with me to the lab." Matt said, dropping a bomb before us.

"Who's he?" I asked. Matt merely smiled and took Ashley with him. Who is this new man? He's a doctor? Find out more in the next episode. Yes, it's like we have to wait in anticipation.

We strolled to the Main office. None spoke on the way. Ok, so this info. That Marigold gave is gonna be real useful. Jack probably must have collected it all. But hey, now even if we have all the data or info. Whatever you call it, then we have to figure out how Sylvia ended up in the attic or who was her killer. When we entered, the little tomboy waved at me. "Hi!" I hissed noticing the man sitting next to the girl who had been real eager to visit the bathroom. The bathroom-dude! Her father was he?

As Al scanned the room, I stared at the man who smiled at me. "People, do you mind if we talk in another room? I don't feel so comfortable in the same office." Al stated as I looked at Jack who beckoned me to him. He explained that the tomboy, her father and this Flaming family are related. The two sisters and their one brother. Sylvia was the victim; her sister Camilla and the brother Brown Flaming who had a 6 yr old daughter. Among them, some new faces were there too. Nicholas Anderson previously mentioned to be Camilla's husband and they were childless, and a fellow doctor who was Brown's mate, I believe.

Apparently Jack had noticed the girl and the old man at the Gamers zone yesterday when I thought I was the only one who had. He called them here without informing the 3 clients here. His name on the badge read 'Dr. Simon Johnson'.

There were way too many people here so maybe Al just wanted a much free environment. Or maybe he has something planned. This Sherlock...

We moved to another room where Jack was the one interrogating and Al was merely filling in as an investigator for help. There was a rule of separate questioning i.e. each one will take turns to answer separately in the room to obtain a clear image of the sequences. I was made to stand as a guard at the door, though inside the room. The first one to be questioned was Robert Flaming, the old man who was the father of the three and grandfather of the little girl called Samantha.

This room was not too cold nor too hot. But it was considerably small. There was an observation mirror to Al's opposite and to Jack's right while a table separated the suspect and the investigator from direct contact. The chair faced Jack and Al had a notebook ready. As the old man sat down, Al got ready.

I was sure this is gonna be boring so I picked up a book that was a manual about telling a culprit to emit the truth. The manual suggested that the suspect should be seated in an uncomfortable chair, out of reach of any controls like light switches or thermostats, furthering his discomfort and setting up a feeling of dependence. A one-way mirror was supposed to be an ideal addition to the room, because it apparently increases the suspect's anxiety and allows other detectives to watch the process and help the interrogator figure out which techniques are working and which aren't.

Oh, great. This is good. Jack began to question.

"When did Miss. Sylvia Flaming go missing and where were you at that time?" he demanded.

Whoa, his personality suddenly transformed. Detectives sure are scary. The old man breathed and replied, "When Camilla called her, Sylvie just messaged she's busy. She was missing for two days." The old man replied, coughing a little.

"Why had Miss. Camilla called her? Why do you think Sylvia was missing? Was there someone chasing after her or was it office-work burden?" Jack frowned, as Al scribbled down something.

"There....was a problem in our family...." He began and from what he said, I concluded this. The two sisters never got along. Camilla, the elder daughter had also pursued a career in the police field but couldn't achieve what she wanted but Sylvia was selected by the director of BPRO. Even though this was a very recent agency, she was thrilled and decided to work for her dreams. But there was Samantha, the little tomboy whose parents had divorced. The old man's son, Brown and his wife Linda were fighting for court custody. Brown knew he wouldn't be able to win the case but he tried his best to and finally he succeeded in producing documents that claim he was a better parent and Sylvie was asked to give the documents to a good detective so she had thought she'd go to the BPRO but she went missing for two days.

"Well, do you think she's alive or dead since there's no news of her?" Al said as Ashley knocked and entered with a bowl of fruits and a pen-knife. What is she doing bringing a weapon in this investigation room? She sighed and reaching Jack whispered something which I probably couldn't hear. There was a silent breeze blowing near my ear...I want to go home now.